Children heading to school when mudslide struck Nepal

Hundreds of children are missing in Nepal after a devastating mudslide and flash flood swept through the border region with Tibet. Many were on their way to school when the disaster struck Wednesday morning, leaving families in despair as they search for their loved ones.

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Many children were on their way to school that day. Several of these children are now missing, stranded, or separated from their families.

"Many children were on their way to school that day. Several of these children are now missing, stranded, or separated from their families," said Ayush Joshi, program manager at Save the Children in Nepal. The deluge, originating from the Himalayas, has obliterated infrastructure, water systems, and entire villages, leaving survivors in urgent need of basic necessities.

Families who have lost their homes are now sheltering in community buildings or under tarpaulins. Save the Children is providing temporary shelter, water purification, blankets, and other essential supplies. However, the scale of the destruction is immense, with roads blocked by mud and power and communication lines down, severely hampering rescue and aid efforts.

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Families have also lost their homes.

"There is a severe shortage of clean drinking water because the water systems have been demolished in the flood. With this shortage comes the risk of diseases," Joshi warned. He added that the psychological impact on children affected by the disaster will require long-term support. The death toll has risen to over 350, with more than 1,400 people, including hundreds of tourists from over 30 countries, still unaccounted for.

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There is a severe shortage of clean drinking water because the water systems have been demolished in the flood. With this shortage comes the risk of diseases.